All interviews should start off with this question

Poor Lori Hill. The books editor of the Philadelphia City Paper (and, doing the whole full disclosure thing, the assigning editor on my profile of Jennifer Weiner from last month) had the unfortunate task of interviewing Duane Swierczynski about his new book, THE WHEELMAN. Why unfortunate? Because Swierczynski happens to be her boss. But she did manage to turn things around in her favor with her opening question:

Lori Hill: So, can I have a raise?

Duane Swierczynski: [nervous laughter, uncomfortable silence]

LH: OK, then.

With that settled, the conversation veered towards the book’s origins, his horror influences and why blood’s not exactly his most favorite sight in the world.

Keeping the fun-connection theme, Steve Brewer is interviewed by the Redding Record-Searchlight, the paper that’s spearheaded by his wife, Kelly. He talks about his current book, BANK JOB, his new two-book deal with Intrigue Press and the upcoming movie based on his first effort, LONELY STREET.